The Washington State House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban the sale of assault weapons on Wednesday, a long-sought measure by gun control advocates that has been stalled for years. The bill, HB 1240, would prohibit the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of any assault weapon in the state. It now heads to the Washington State Senate for consideration.
The bill comes on the heels of a trio of ambitious Democratic proposals to further regulate firearms that have cleared a key early deadline to advance in the Washington Legislature. The proposals include a 10-day waiting period when purchasing firearms, increased background checks, and the prohibition of high-capacity magazines.
Proponents of the measure argue that it will help reduce gun violence by making it more difficult for individuals to access assault weapons, which are more powerful and deadly than traditional firearms. Opponents argue that the measure is an affront to the Second Amendment right to bear arms and will do nothing to reduce gun violence.
The bill has garnered significant attention from both sides of the debate. Advocates of gun control have praised the bill’s passage, while gun rights groups have threatened to challenge it in court. The National Rifle Association (NRA) has argued that the bill is unconstitutional and “tramples on the Second Amendment.”
Opponents of the bill have also argued that it does not go far enough in addressing the issue of gun violence. Many have called for a more comprehensive approach to gun control, such as closing loopholes in the background check system and banning bump stocks.
Gun control advocates, however, have argued that this bill is an important step in the right direction. They argue that banning assault weapons is a necessary step in curbing gun violence in the state. They point to states like California, which has had a ban on assault weapons in place since 1989, and have seen a reduction in gun violence since its enactment.
The bill is expected to be met with significant opposition in the Senate. Republican lawmakers have argued that the bill will do nothing to reduce gun violence and is instead an infringement on the Second Amendment. They are expected to oppose the measure when it comes up for a vote.
Regardless of the outcome, the bill’s passage in the House is a major victory for gun control advocates and a sign that progress is being made in the state.
